Sports Non-profit Immunity Law

Basis for dismissal of soccer goal lawsuit

The Massachusetts Supreme Court upheld a lower court decision that dismissed a lawsuit against a non-profit sports organization due to a state immunity statute. This lawsuit involved the 1998 tipping over of a soccer goal and resulting leg injury to a 12-year-old boy. The boy sued the local association which was a member of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association.

The allegation was negligence on the part of the association for failure to properly secure the goal.

Even though the immunity statute was ultimately upheld in this case, the litigation dragged on for over 10 years and was undoubtedly very expensive. This is why sports organizations can’t rely on immunity statutes and need General Liability insurance.